Steiner Waldorf Kindergartens

The Steiner philosophy of education take an unhurried approach to childhood, on the basis that pressure for early learning can cause high levels of anxiety. So they concentrate on developing the children's skills of listening, imitation and imaginative play. Richard Moore, who works in a Steiner school in Nottingham, describes their approach as 'Preserving childhood.' He says, 'Childhood is special in itself, it's a preparation for the rest of your life and the foundations that are made are deeply significant'.

He continues, 'We offer the children a pattern and a structure to their day, so they know what to expect. This framework gives them a safe space in which they can be imaginative and creative. We don't begin to teach reading and writing until they are ready, which is after they are six. We concentrate on them developing their ability to imitate and they learn unconsciously.'

If you want to know more about these schools and kindergartens, visit their website: www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk Or you can ring the Steiner Schools Fellowship on 01342 822115.